BISMARCK, N.D., Dec. 16, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Erin Oban announced today that USDA is investing nearly $2 million to expand access to housing and infrastructure for underserved rural people . The nine projects in which USDA RD is investing will create economic opportunities and improve the lives of thousands of people in North Dakota.
The investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensure that people living in rural America have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities they deserve.
"In countless ways, big and small, USDA Rural Development is able to make it more accessible and achievable for individuals, organizations, and communities to reach their goals,” said Oban. “These grants help our schools and tribal colleges, public works departments, planning councils, and non-profit organizations improve and further extend their service to our students, friends, and neighbors in North Dakota, contributing to greater opportunities and more equitable outcomes for rural North Dakotans."
Background:
Nationwide, USDA RD is making in 11 programs specifically designed to help people and communities in underserved rural areas. These programs are Water and Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias, Appalachian Regional Commission Grants, Delta Health Care Grants, Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grants, Housing Preservation Grants, Rural Community Development Initiative Grants, Tribal College Initiative Grants, Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, Rural and Native Alaskan Village Grants, Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants and Community Facilities Disaster Grant Program.
In North Dakota:
- The City of Napoleon will use a $75,000 grant to finance a garbage truck. The current one is nearing the end of its serviceable life. The new vehicle will be able to transport more refuse, lowering the number of trips it would take, saving on costs and maintenance concerns.
- Elgin-New Leipzig School District will use a $47,135 grant to replace a unit ventilator and make needed repairs to their tunnel system. The school district serves a population of 1,371 residents. Replacing the ventilator will complete the plan to replace all of the old and outdated ventilators in the high school, which will improve the indoor air quality.
- North Central Planning Council will use a $150,000 grant for housing repairs in Rolette County to assist with repairs to a multi-family housing building. The repairs will include doors, windows, etc. And will improve the living conditions in 38 units.
- Rebuilding Together will use a $150,000 grant to provide funding to single-family occupied homes. The grant can be used to help repair or replace windows, furnaces, Americans with Disabilities Act modifications, and other energy-saving updates.
- Red River Regional Council will use a $150,000 grant to provide home repairs to qualified single-family occupied homes in Nelson County. The grant can help to repair or replace windows, furnaces, ADA modifications, and other updates to the home.
- Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College will use a $348,017 grant to improve the area surrounding the campus building in New Town. Renovations will include replacing the existing sidewalks and a retaining wall on the northwest side of the building. These renovations will improve accessibility and safety, as well as prevent water from entering the building during heavy rains or snow runoff.
- Cankdeska Cikana Community College will use a $348,017 grant for multiple facility improvements. This will include new concrete near the entries, remodeling of two suites to include new paint and flooring, air conditioning for the server room, and air conditioning updates for the Certificates Dakota Languages area.
- The Sitting Bull College will use a $348,017 grant to construct an outdoor classroom/auditorium. The area will be located adjacent to the academic center and will be used to provide opportunities for faculty and students to expand the current academic offerings.
- United Tribes Technical College will use a $348,017 grant to finance street improvements. The project entails a reconstruction and rehabilitation of portions of All Nations Circle at the intersection of University Drive. The current setup does not readily provide room for expansion of signage, pedestrian elements, and limited visibility due to being up against the property line.
Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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